HOW TO SMOOTH A WALL AFTER REMOVING WALLPAPER?

Using wallpaper is one of the most commonly used interior design resources. Although they are designed to last a long time, the truth is that sometimes it is necessary to remove it. It may be that a change in decoration has been considered to adapt to current trends or for other circumstances such as transforming a children's room into a youth room.

When it comes to removing the wallpaper, the norm is to want to restore the wall to its original condition. The surface must be perfectly smooth to provide a flawless appearance. This will be necessary whether you choose to paint the room or if you want to reapply a new wallpaper.

In any case, it will be necessary to smooth the wall so that it is uniform and with a quality finish. The idea is to achieve a true reset of the surface so that no signal and look brand new. We are going to give you all the keys to achieve it.

It is important to check the condition of the wall after removing the wallpaper.

Just after removing the wallpaper, you may encounter several scenarios. The first is that the wallpaper you had installed was designed to be easily peeled off, so a large part of the work will already be done. Another possibility is that there are remnants of both the wallpaper and the glue you used to stick it.

In these cases, the first thing to do is to remove everything to clear the wall of all types of materials. The most homemade option is to use a sponge with warm water and soap. It should be gently rubbed to avoid damaging the wall. This way, the glue and the paper will be softened and easier to remove.

You can also find specific products for this task on the market. With the help of a spatula and being very careful, you can easily remove all those residues. It is the first step to smooth the surface after removing the wallpaper.

Surely a lot of dust was generated during removal so it is advisable to clean the wall well. A damp cloth will be enough to trap the particles and prevent them from spreading throughout the room. It is very important that you make sure that it dries well afterwards to prevent moisture from settling in. 

Good sanding is key to smoothing a wall

Now that you have your wall ready after removing the wallpaper, you can start smoothing it out. The first thing to do is to check carefully for any cracks or small fissures. This is the time to use putty designed for that purpose. Its drying time is usually quick and its application is very easy.

The next step to smooth your wall after removing the wallpaper is sanding. This way you will achieve the visual uniformity you are looking for. That moment is the most important, and you should pay special attention. In the market, you can find sanding machines that will help you with this task, but in this article, we are going to teach you how to do it yourself.

The first and most important thing to smooth your wall is to get sandpaper with the right grain. You should know that the lower the number, the larger the size and therefore you will achieve less polished finishes. 

Taking these aspects into account, you should have different types of sandpaper on hand. The first job should be done with the coarsest grain to eliminate the largest imperfections. You can start with a size 100 for this type of work. Next, you can move on to a mid-range one like the 180 to finish with a finer 220.

That is to say, you should go from less to more in order to achieve a professional finish. Smoothing a wall after removing the wallpaper is quite a meticulous job and can take you some time. You should keep in mind that you need to sand in circular motions so that the marks where you have passed are not too noticeable. The job is easier if the sandpaper is sponge.

They also generate a lot of dust, so it is advisable to protect yourself with a mask and cover the furniture around you. Once you have reached the result you wanted, it is time to take the last step.

In the end, you have to apply a primer coat to make your wall completely ready for the application of the new wallpaper and to ensure that the glue has enough adhesion to the surface. After applying this product, your wall will be ready to be painted or to place another new wallpaper.